Image recognition device, image recognition method and image recognition unit

ABSTRACT

An image recognition device, an image recognition method and an image recognition unit are capable of performing touch recognition high in accuracy. The image recognition device includes a measurement point determination section adapted to determine a fingertip from an image obtained by a camera, a pattern display section adapted to make a projector display a first pattern having a first linear pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch along a direction parallel to an epipolar line passing through the fingertip, and a second linear pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, and a position detection section adapted to perform touch recognition based on a variation of the first pattern from the image including the first pattern.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image recognition device, an image recognition method and an image recognition unit.

BACKGROUND ART

As an image recognition technology for detecting whether or not a finger has contact with a screen on which an image from a projector is projected, there is known a technology of PTL 1. In the image recognition technology of PTL 1, firstly, structured light having a lattice pattern is projected on the screen, and then a change in the lattice pattern at the position of the finger described above is recognized based on the image from an imaging device (a camera) to thereby perform touch recognition.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: US 2011/0254810

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in the image recognition technology described in PTL 1, the position detection accuracy in the depth direction of the finger viewed from the imaging device is low, and accordingly, there is a problem that the accuracy of the touch recognition is also low.

An object of the invention is to provide an image recognition device, an image recognition method and an image recognition unit capable of performing the touch recognition high in accuracy.

Solution to Problem

Such an object is achieved by the following aspects of the invention.

An image recognition device according to the invention is an image recognition device used in an image display unit including an imaging device adapted to image an image display surface, and a detecting image display device adapted to display a detecting image on the image display surface, the image recognition device including a pattern display section adapted to make the detecting image display device display a first pattern having a first linear pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch along a direction parallel to an epipolar line determined from a positional relationship between the imaging device and the detecting image display device, and a second linear pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch different from the first pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, a measurement point determination section adapted to detect an object located between the imaging device and the image display surface to determine a measurement target point of the object, and a position detection section adapted to detect a position of the measurement target point with respect to the image display surface based on an image including the measurement target point and the first pattern obtained by the imaging device.

Thus, it is possible to perform the touch recognition (determination on whether or not the object has contact with the image display surface) with high accuracy based on the detection result of the position detection section.

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the second pitch is shorter than twice the first pitch.

Thus, it is possible to perform the touch recognition higher in accuracy.

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the first pattern is divided into a plurality of regions having a third pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, and an address used to identify a position is assigned to each of the plurality of regions.

Thus, it is possible to detect the address in which the detection target point is located, and it is possible to display an auxiliary pattern (e.g., the second pattern described later) based on the address thus detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform the touch recognition higher in accuracy.

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the third pitch is equal to a lowest common multiple of the first pitch and the second pitch.

Thus, the possibility of occurrence of phase wrapping decreases, and the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible (it should be noted that the phase wrapping will be described later).

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern having a linear shape along the epipolar line passing through the measurement target point except the region in which the measurement target point is located.

Thus, it is possible to distinguish the phase wrapping, and the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern straddling the region in which the measurement target point is located and two regions adjacent to the region in which the measurement target point is located.

Thus, it is possible to distinguish the phase wrapping, and the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

In the image recognition device according to the invention, it is preferable that the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern having a linear pattern along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, wherein the linear pattern is disposed in the plurality of regions adjacent to each other so as to be shifted from each other in a direction crossing the epipolar line.

Thus, it is possible to distinguish the phase wrapping, and the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

An image recognition method according to the invention is an image recognition method used in an image display unit including an imaging device adapted to image an image display surface, and a detecting image display device adapted to display a detecting image on the image display surface, the image recognition method including a pattern display step adapted to make the detecting image display device display a first pattern having a first linear pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch along a direction parallel to an epipolar line determined from a positional relationship between the imaging device and the detecting image display device, and a second linear pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch different from the first pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, a measurement point determination step adapted to detect an object located between the imaging device and the image display surface to determine a measurement target point of the object, and a position detection step adapted to detect a position of the measurement target point with respect to the image display surface based on an image including the measurement target point and the first pattern obtained by the imaging device.

Thus, it is possible to perform the touch recognition (determination on whether or not the object has contact with the image display surface) with high accuracy based on the detection result of the position detection section.

An image recognition unit according to the invention includes the image recognition device according to the invention, the imaging device, and the detecting image display device.

Thus, it is possible to obtain the image recognition unit capable of performing the touch recognition with high accuracy.

In the image recognition unit according to the invention, it is preferable to further include an image display device adapted to display an image on the image display surface.

Thus, it is possible to display a desired image on the image display surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image recognition unit according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the projector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the projector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a scanning section provided to the projector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the image recognition device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an epipolar line.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first pattern.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of touch recognition.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detecting image used in an image recognition unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a projector used in an image recognition unit according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a detecting image used in an image recognition unit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the method of the touch recognition.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Some preferred embodiments of the image recognition device, the image recognition method and the image recognition unit according to the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

Firstly, an image recognition unit according to a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the image recognition unit according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the projector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the projector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a scanning section provided to the projector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the image recognition device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an epipolar line. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first pattern. FIG. 8 through FIG. 11 are each a diagram for explaining a method of touch recognition.

The image recognition unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device capable of determining whether or not a finger (an object) F has contact with, for example, a flat screen (an image display surface) 900, and then switching an image to be displayed on the screen 900 based on the determination result. It should be noted that the determination on whether or not the finger F has contact with the screen 900 is hereinafter referred to as “touch recognition.” Such an image recognition unit 100 can be used for, for example, a presentation, and by performing the touch recognition of the finger of a presenter to switch, expand, or shrink an image to be displayed on the screen as needed, it becomes possible to smoothly progress the presentation.

It should be noted that the image display surface is not limited to the screen 900, but can also be, for example, a wall or a glass. Further, the image display surface is not required to be flat, but can also be a spherical surface or an uneven surface. Further, the image display surface can change in shape with time. Further, the object on which the tough recognition is performed is not limited to the finger F, but can also be, for example, a pointer stick, or a magnet adhering to the screen 900. Further, the use application of the image recognition unit 100 is not limited to presentations, but the image recognition unit 100 can be used for a variety of applications such as a store guide of a department store, or introduction and search for a line of business.

As shown in FIG. 1, such an image recognition unit 100 has an image display unit having a projector (an image display device) 200 for displaying an image on the screen 900, a projector (detecting image display device) 300 for displaying a first pattern 800 (see FIG. 7) as a detecting image on the screen 900, and a camera (an imaging device) 400 for imaging the screen 900, and an image recognition device 500 for performing the touch recognition.

It should be noted that the projector 300 and the camera 400 are disposed at positions different from each other. Further, the relative (geometric) positional relationship between the projector 300 and the camera 400 is constant, and the information related to the positional relationship is stored in a storage section not shown and provided to the image recognition device 500, and is used arbitrarily.

Hereinafter, the projector 200, the projector 300, the camera 400 and the image recognition device 500 will be described in sequence.

[Projector 200]

The projector 200 is a device for displaying an image (e.g., an image for a presentation) intended to be viewed by an observer on the screen 900.

Such a projector 200 is an LCD type projector, and is provided with liquid crystal display elements 240R, 240G, 240B, a dichroic prism 250, and a projection lens system 260 as shown in FIG. 2. Then, red light R enters the liquid crystal display element 240R, green light G enters the liquid crystal display element 240G, and blue light B enters the liquid crystal display element 240B.

The liquid crystal display elements 240R, 240G, 240B are transmissive spatial light modulators corresponding respectively to the primary colors of R, G, and B, and the light beams spatially modulated by the respective liquid crystal display elements 240R, 240G, 240B are combined with each other by the dichroic prism 250, and thus full-color picture light La is emitted from the dichroic prism 250. Then, the picture light La thus emitted is enlarged and projected on the screen 900 by the projection lens system 260. Thus, an image is displayed on the screen 900.

The projector 200 is hereinabove described, but is not limited to the LCD type projector providing the projector 200 is capable of displaying an image on the screen 900, and can also be, for example, a light scanning type projector, or a DMD type projector.

[Projector 300]

The projector 300 is a device for displaying the first pattern 800 on the screen 900.

Such a projector 300 is a light scanning type projector, and is provided with a light source 310, a scanning section 320, and a projection lens system not shown as shown in FIG. 3.

The light source 310 has a light source 311R for emitting a red laser beam, a light source 311G for emitting a green laser beam, a light source 311B for emitting a blue laser beam, collimator lenses 312R, 312G, 312B for respectively collimating the light beams emitted from the light sources 311R, 311G, 311B, a light combining section 313, and a collecting lens 314.

The light combining section 313 is an element for combining the laser beams from the light sources 311R, 311G, 311B with each other to generate the modulated light Lb, and has three dichroic mirrors 313 a, 313 b, 313 c. Further, the modulated light Lb generated by the light combining section 313 is changed to have a desired NA (numerical aperture) by the collecting lens 314, and is then guided to the scanning section 320.

The scanning section 320 is an optical scanner capable of oscillating around two axes, and has a movable section 330 having a mirror 331, shaft sections 341, 342 for supporting the movable section 330 so as to be able to oscillate around an axis J1, a drive frame section 350 for supporting the shaft sections 341, 342, shaft sections 361, 362 for supporting the drive frame section 350 so as to be able to oscillate around an axis J2 perpendicular to the axis J1, and a support section 370 having a frame-like shape for supporting the shaft sections 361, 362 as shown in FIG. 4. In such a scanning section 320, by oscillating the movable section 330 around the axis J1 with respect to the drive frame section 350 while oscillating the drive frame section 350 around the axis J2 with respect to the support section 370 using a driver not shown, it is possible to perform two-dimensional scan with the modulated light Lb reflected by the mirror 331.

Then, the modulated light Lb with which the scan is performed by the scanning section 320 is enlarged and projected on the screen 900 by the projection lens system not shown. Thus, the first pattern 800 is displayed on the screen 900.

The projector 300 is hereinabove described, but is not limited to the light scanning type projector providing the projector 300 is capable of displaying the first pattern 800 on the screen 900, and can also be, for example, the LCD type projector or a DMD type projector. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration of having a light source for emitting a laser and a diffractive grating for diffracting the laser emitted from the light source. Further, even in the case of the light scanning type projector, the configuration described above is not a limitation, and it is also possible to perform two-dimensional scan with the modulated light Lb using, for example, two single-axis oscillation type optical scanners. Further, it is also possible for the projector 300 to have a configuration capable of projecting two types of fixed patterns different from each other using a diffractive optical element and a laser source.

[Camera 400]

The camera 400 is a device for imaging the screen 900. Such a camera 400 is, for example, an RGB camera, and has a light receiving unit 410 provided with a lens system 411 and an imaging element 412, and a processing section not shown for processing a video signal from the imaging element 412.

[Image Recognition Device]

The image recognition device 500 is a device for performing the touch recognition using the projector 300 and the camera 400 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, such an image recognition device 500 has a pattern display section 510, a measurement point determination section 520, and a position detection section 530.

The pattern display section 510 drives the projector 300 to display the first pattern 800 extending along an epipolar line EL (a pattern display step).

Here, before explaining the first pattern 800, the epipolar line EL will briefly be described. The epipolar line EL is a line determined by a geometric (relative) positional relationship between the projector 300 and the camera 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, an intersection point between a straight line (base line) l2 connecting a camera center (principal point of the lens system 411) C1 of the camera 400 and an angle alteration center (the center of the mirror 331) C2 when performing the scan with the modulated light Lb of the scanning section 320, and a virtual image plane π2 of the projector 300 is referred to as an epipolar point Pe, and all of the straight lines passing through the epipolar point Pe in the virtual image plane π2 are referred to as epipolar lines EL.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, if a fingertip F1 is included in the image of the camera 400, a coordinate (in-plane coordinate) x of the fingertip F1 in an image plane π1 of the camera 400 is determined. The plane defined by the straight line l1 passing through the coordinate x and the camera center C1, and the straight line l2 is referred to as an epipolar plane Σ. Further, in the case of defining the epipolar line EL coinciding with a straight line l3, which is obtained by the epipolar plane Σ and the virtual image plane π2 intersecting with each other, as the “epipolar line EL′,” the fingertip F1 is located somewhere on the epipolar line EL′.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first pattern 800 has a configuration in which a plurality of patterns extending in parallel to the epipolar line EL is arranged in the width direction (a direction crossing the epipolar line EL) of the epipolar line EL. It should be noted that FIG. 7 shows an image obtained by performing a stereo-collimating process (an epipolar line horizontalizing process) on the image obtained by the camera 400. Therefore, all of the epipolar lines EL become roughly parallel to each other, and are set in the state of extending in a horizontal direction (the lateral direction in the sheet).

Specifically, the first pattern 800 has first linear patterns 800A and second linear patterns 800B extending in a direction parallel to the epipolar line EL, and has a configuration in which the first linear patterns 800A and the second linear patterns 800B are arranged alternately in the width direction (the vertical direction in the sheet) of the epipolar line EL.

The first linear patterns 800A each have a pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch T1. Specifically, the first linear patterns 800A each have first regions 810A having a predetermined luminance, and second regions 820A having a different luminance from that of the first regions 810A, wherein the first and second regions 810A, 820A are alternately arranged to have the same width T1. Similarly, the second linear patterns 800B each have a pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch T2 different from the first pitch T1. Specifically, the second linear patterns 800B each have first regions 810B having a predetermined luminance, and second regions 820B having a different luminance from that of the first regions 810B, wherein the first and second regions 810B, 820B are alternately arranged to have the same width T2. It is preferable for the luminance of the first regions 810A (810B) and the luminance of the second regions 820A (820B) to be determined so that the contrast ratio becomes as high as possible. Thus, the accuracy of the image recognition increases, and the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

Here, the second pitch T2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably shorter than twice the first pitch T1. If the second pitch T2 is set equal to or longer than twice the first pitch T1, it results that two or more cycles of the first linear pattern 800A are included in one cycle T2 of the second linear pattern 800B. Therefore, depending on the usage environment, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the depth analysis of the fingertip F1 described later is deteriorated. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the second pitch T2 is made 1.75 times the first pitch T1. The reason therefor will be described later.

The first pattern 800 is described hereinabove, but is not limited to the above providing the first pattern 800 can be used for the touch recognition, and can also have a configuration in which, for example, a third linear pattern varying in luminance with a pitch different from the first pitch T1 and the second pitch T2 is further included, and the first, second, and third linear patterns are arranged in sequence and repeatedly.

The measurement point determination section 520 detects the finger F located between the camera 400 and the screen 900 from the image obtained by the camera 400, and further, determines the fingertip F1 of the finger F as a measurement target point (a measurement point determination step).

As the determination method of the fingertip F1, for example, the image of the screen 900 on which the first pattern 800 is projected is firstly obtained by the camera 400, and then an image obtained by stereo-collimating the image is stored as a first pattern reference image. Then, it is possible to extract the contour of the finger F from a difference between the stereo-rectified image in which the fingertip F1 is reflected together with the first pattern 800 and the first pattern reference image, then detect a part having a similar contour shape to the fingertip F1 from the contour shape of the finger F thus extracted, and then determine the part thus detected as the fingertip F1.

It should be noted that the determination method of the fingertip is not limited to the above. For example, it is possible to extract a flesh-color-like area (an area having a color similar to the color of the finger F) using the HSV color system from the image obtained by the camera 400, and further, detect a part having a similar contour shape to the fingertip F1 from the contour shape of the flesh-color-like area thus extracted to determine the part thus detected as the fingertip F1.

The position detection section 530 detects the depth (position) of the fingertip F1 based on the first pattern 800 included in the image obtained by the camera 400, and performs the touch recognition based on the detection result (a position detection step).

Specifically, firstly, the position detection section 530 obtains an image (hereinafter also referred to as a “stereo-rectified image”) obtained by stereo-collimating the image obtained by the camera 400. In the stereo-rectified image, the epipolar lines EL become lines parallel to the horizontal direction (the lateral direction in the sheet) irrespective of the unevenness of the surface of the screen 900, the shape of the fingertip F1, and so on. Therefore, each of the first and second linear patterns 800A, 800B also becomes a straight line parallel to the horizontal direction, and it is possible to perform an analysis of the change of the first pattern 800 with ease and accuracy.

Then, the position detection section 530 detects the depth of the fingertip F1 based on the first pattern 800 in the stereo-rectified image, and then performs the touch recognition based on the detection result. In the stereo-rectified image P11 shown in FIG. 8, the first and second linear patterns 800A, 800B are projected not only on the screen 900, but also on the fingertip F1. Further, in the stereo-rectified image P11, between the first pattern 800 on the screen 900 and the first pattern 800 on the fingertip F1, there occurs the pitch fluctuation (pattern shift) based on the depth of the fingertip F1. In other words, the first and second linear patterns 800A, 800B on the fingertip F1 have the pitches T1′, T2′ different from the first and second pitches T1, T2, respectively.

Then, the position detection section 530 performs the depth analysis of the first and second linear patterns 800A, 800B reflected on the screen 900 to detect (estimate) the depth at the position overlapping the fingertip F1 of the screen 900, and at the same time, performs the depth analysis of the first and second linear patterns 800A, 800B reflected on the fingertip F1 to detect the depth of the fingertip F1.

Then, if the depth of the fingertip F1 does not coincide with the depth of the screen 900 in at least one of the analysis result of the first linear pattern 800A and the analysis result of the second linear pattern 800B, the position detection section 530 determines the “non-contact state” in which the fingertip F1 does not have contact with the screen 900. In contrast, in the case in which the depth of the fingertip F1 coincides with the depth of the screen 900 in both of the analysis result of the first linear pattern 800A and the analysis result of the second linear pattern 800B, the position detection section 530 further performs the following determination.

For example, in the description of the first linear pattern 800A, as shown in FIG. 9, even if the fingertip F1 is separated from the screen 900, in the case in which the way of the separation causes the pitch fluctuation (pattern shift) corresponding to an integral multiple of the pitch of the first linear pattern 800A, there is obtained the same image of the pattern on the fingertip F1 as that in the contact state in which the fingertip F1 has contact with the screen 900 despite the non-contact state (hereinafter this phenomenon is referred to as “phase wrapping”). This similarly applies to the second linear pattern 800B.

Therefore, in the case in which the way of the separation of the fingertip F1 causes the pitch fluctuation corresponding to an integral multiple of the pitch of the first linear pattern 800A, and at the same time causes the pitch fluctuation corresponding to an integral multiple of the pitch of the second linear pattern 800B, the phase wrapping occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between the contact state and the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. It should be noted that as described above, the pitch (the second pitch T2) of the second linear pattern 800B is 1.75 times the pitch (the first pitch T1) of the first linear pattern 800A. By adopting such a relationship, it is possible to make the lowest common multiple of the both pitches relatively large (i.e., 7 times the first pitch T1, 4 times the second pitch T2), and therefore, it is possible to make the condition for causing the phase wrapping lower.

The method of distinguishing between the contact state and the state in which the phase wrapping occurs is not particularly limited, but the following method can be cited. That is, since in the stereo-rectified image P11 in the case of the contact state, the fingertip F1 has contact with the screen 900, the shadow of the fingertip F1 does not occur on the screen 900 as shown in FIG. 10. In contrast, since in the stereo-rectified image P11 in the case in which the phase wrapping occurs, the fingertip F1 is separated from the screen 900, the shadow SH of the fingertip F1 occurs on the screen 900 as shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, it is possible for the position detection section 530 to determine the “contact state” if the shadow of the fingertip F1 does not occur in the screen 900 in the stereo-rectified image P11, and determine the “phase wrapping state” in which the phase wrapping occurs if the shadow occurs.

It should be noted that depending on the arrangement of the projector 300 and the camera 400, the shape and size (the individual difference) of the fingertip F1 and so on, the shadow SH occurs on the screen 900 despite the contact state in some cases. Therefore, it is also possible to set a threshold value for the width (size) of the shadow SH, and determine the “contact state” if the width of the shadow SH is smaller than the threshold value, and determine the “phase wrapping state” if the width of the shadow SH is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

In the case in which the determination result is the “contact state,” the position detection section 530 transmits the determination result to a control section not shown. The control section having received the determination result transmits a screen operation command determined in accordance with the contact position of the fingertip F1 such as a command for expanding or contracting the image displayed on the screen 900, or a command for switching the image to the projector 200. By performing such control, it is possible to operate the image displayed on the screen 900 only by touching the screen 900 with the fingertip F1, and therefore, the image recognition unit 100 high in convenience is obtained.

As described above, it is the procedure (image recognition method) of the touch recognition by the image recognition device 500 to perform the pattern display step, the measurement point determination step, and the position detection step, and by repeatedly performing the procedure with a predetermined period, it is possible to repeatedly perform the touch recognition.

According to such an image recognition device 500, the calculation load can be reduced, and at the same time, the touch recognition high in accuracy becomes possible. Further, the epipolar line EL is a line which can be obtained in accordance with the geometric positions of the projector 300 and the camera 400 irrespective of the three-dimensional position and the surface shape of the screen 900. Therefore, once the geometric positions of the projector 300 and the camera 400 are set, it is possible to perform the touch recognition without being affected by the position and the shape of the screen 900. In particular, as described above, since the occurrence of the phase wrapping is reduced by using the first pattern 800, it is possible to perform the touch recognition high in accuracy. Conversely, it can be said that the periods of the first linear pattern 800A and the second linear pattern 800B can be shortened accordingly to the reduction of the occurrence of the phase wrapping, and accordingly, the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

The first embodiment is hereinabove described. It should be noted that in the configuration described above, the first pattern 800 is generated using the visible light, but can also be generated using NIR light (near infrared light having the wavelength in a range of about 800 through 2500 nm). Since the NIR light is invisible to humans, there is no possibility that the first pattern 800 deteriorates the image from the projector 200 displayed on the screen 900. Further, in this case, the first pattern 800 can be generated by, for example, setting the first regions 810A, 810B as NIR light irradiation regions, and the second regions 820A, 820B as NIR light non-irradiation regions.

Second Embodiment

Then, an image recognition unit according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detecting image used in the image recognition unit according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams for explaining a method of the touch recognition. It should be noted that in each of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, illustrations of the first pattern 800 are omitted for the sake of convenience of explanation.

Hereinafter, the image recognition unit according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described, wherein the description will be presented with a focus mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above, and the description regarding substantially the same matters will be omitted.

The image recognition unit according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except the point that the configuration of the detecting image is different. It should be noted that the constituents substantially the same as those of the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, an address pattern AD is projected together with the first pattern 800 as the detecting image. The address pattern AD is divided into a plurality of regions having a third pitch T3 along a direction parallel to the epipolar line EL, and an address (information for identifying the position) is assigned to each of the regions. The method of assigning the addresses is not particularly limited, and there can be cited, for example, a method of disposing identification patterns for identifying the addresses in the respective regions.

The address pattern AD is specifically constituted by a pattern having the third pitch 7 times (4 times the pitch of the second linear pattern 800B) the pitch of the first linear pattern 800A, and is displayed on the upper side and the lower side of the first pattern 800. Further, each pitch of the address pattern AD is provided with an address, and thus, it is arranged that the position of each pitch can be identified. Further, the width of one address is set slightly larger than the width of the fingertip F1.

It should be noted that the configuration of the address pattern AD is not particularly limited providing substantially the same advantages as described above can be exerted. For example, it is also possible for the address pattern AD to be displayed on at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the first pattern 800.

Further, the projector 300 projects a second pattern 700 shown in FIG. 13 in addition to the first pattern 800 as the detecting image. The second pattern 700 is a linear pattern extending on the epipolar line EL′ passing through the fingertip F1. Further, the second pattern 700 is projected so as to exclude the address [N+2] in which the fingertip F1 is located, and include the addresses [N+1], [N+3] adjacent on both sides to the address [N+2]. It should be noted that the second pattern 700 can be generated using the visible light, or can also be generated using the NIR light. Further, the second pattern 700 can be displayed at the same time as the first pattern 800 and the address pattern AD, or can also be displayed alternately (in a time-sharing manner) with the first pattern 800 and the address pattern AD.

By using such the second pattern 700, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the case in which the fingertip F1 is in the contact state and the case of the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. Specifically, in the case of the contact state, the second pattern 700 is not projected on the fingertip F1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the stereo-rectified image P21 at this moment becomes in the state in which the continuity of the second pattern 700 is maintained except in the address [N+2]. Further, since the second pattern 700 is not projected on the fingertip F1, the second pattern 700 does not overlap the first pattern 800 on the fingertip F1, and thus, it is possible to recognize the first pattern 800 on the fingertip F1 as an image. In contrast, in the case in which the phase wrapping occurs, the second pattern 700 is projected on the fingertip F1, and thus, a part shadowed by the fingertip F1 occurs somewhere in the second pattern 700. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, a shadowed part 710 occurs in the second pattern 700, and thus, the stereo-rectified image P21 at this moment becomes in a discontinuous state. Further, since the second pattern 700 is projected on the fingertip F1, the second pattern 700 overlaps the first pattern 800 on the fingertip F1, and thus, it becomes difficult to recognize the first pattern 800 on the fingertip F1 as an image.

From such a difference between the images, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the contact state and the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. Therefore, the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

According also to such a second embodiment as described hereinabove, substantially the same advantages as in the first embodiment described above can be exerted.

Third Embodiment

Then, an image recognition unit according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a projector used in the image recognition unit according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 through FIG. 18 are each a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition. It should be noted that in each of FIG. 16 through FIG. 18, illustrations of the first pattern 800 are omitted for the sake of convenience of explanation.

Hereinafter, the image recognition unit according to the third embodiment of the invention will be described, wherein the description will be presented with a focus mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above, and the description regarding substantially the same matters will be omitted.

The image recognition unit according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except the point that the configuration of the projector (a detecting image display device) is different. It should be noted that the constituents substantially the same as those of the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols.

The projector 300 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the projector 200 (see FIG. 2), and is provided with liquid crystal display elements 381R, 381G, 381B, a dichroic prism 382, and a projection lens system 383 as shown in FIG. 15. A difference from the projector 200 is the point that it is arranged that the NIR light enters the liquid crystal display element 381R together with the red light R. Since the red light R is smaller in wavelength difference from the NIR light compared to the green light G and the blue light B, it is possible to realize the same optical system with relative ease. According to the projector 300 having such a configuration, for example, it is possible to generate the first pattern 800 using the visible light, and generate the second pattern 700 using the NIR light, to thereby project the first pattern 800 and the second pattern 700 at the same time.

Here, if the second pattern 700 is projected with the NIR light using the projector 300 described above, the second pattern 700 is recognized as a red color (since the red light R is also modulated together with the NIR light). Therefore, there is a possibility that the image on the screen 900 is damaged by the second pattern 700. Therefore, in order to prevent the image on the screen 900 from being damaged, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the second pattern 700 is improved in design to have a circular ring shape (ring shape) looking like a pointer. Further, the second pattern 700 is displayed so as to straddle the three cycles of the address pattern AD (specifically, the address [N+2] in which the fingertip F1 is located, and the addresses [N+1], [N+3] adjacent on both sides to the address [N+2]). Further, an internal space 701 of the second pattern 700 is located so as to stride over the address [N+2] in which the fingertip F1 is located.

Also by using such a second pattern 700, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the case in which the fingertip F1 is in the contact state and the case of the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the stereo-rectified image P31 in the case of the contact state becomes in the state in which the second pattern 700 is also projected on the finger F, and the second pattern 700 is displayed throughout the entire circumference. In contrast, in the case in which the phase wrapping of one cycle occurs, the second pattern 700 is projected on the finger F, and thus, the part shadowed by the finger F occurs in the second pattern 700. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the stereo-rectified image P31 at this moment becomes in the state in which a part of the second pattern 700 is reflected as a shadow. Further, in the case in which the phase wrapping no smaller than two cycles occurs, the second pattern 700 is projected on a reverse side (screen 900 side) of the finger F. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the stereo-rectified image P31 at this moment becomes in the state in which a part of the second pattern 700 is reflected so as to be shadowed by the finger F.

From such a difference between the images, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the contact state and the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. Therefore, the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible. Further, in the present embodiment, since the second pattern 700 is recognized as red, the second pattern 700 does not become remarkably bright, and can exert high contrast with the surroundings. Therefore, the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible. It should be noted that in order to more accurately detect the case in which the phase wrapping no smaller than two cycles occurs, it is preferable to arrange that the first pattern 800 is not displayed when obtaining the image by, for example, blinking the first pattern 800 with a predetermined period.

According also to such a third embodiment as described hereinabove, substantially the same advantages as in the first embodiment described above can be exerted.

Fourth Embodiment

Then, an image recognition unit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a detecting image used in the image recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are each a diagram for explaining a method of the touch recognition. It should be noted that in each of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, illustrations of the first pattern 800 are omitted for the sake of convenience of explanation.

Hereinafter, the image recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment of the invention will be described, wherein the description will be presented with a focus mainly on the differences from the embodiment described above, and the description regarding substantially the same matters will be omitted.

The image recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the second embodiment described above except the point that the configuration of the detecting image is different. It should be noted that the constituents substantially the same as those of the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols.

As in the stereo-rectified image P41 shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, the second pattern 700 is projected in addition to the first pattern 800 as the detecting image. The second pattern 700 has linear patterns 790 each shaped like a straight line along a direction parallel to the epipolar line EL, and the plurality of (three in the present embodiment) linear patterns 790 is displayed so as to be separated in a vertical direction (a direction crossing the epipolar line EL). Further, between the addresses adjacent to each other, each of the linear patterns 790 is shifted in the vertical direction (i.e., the linear patterns 790 each become discontinuous between the regions). It should be noted that the second pattern 700 can be generated using the visible light, or can also be generated using the NIR light.

Also by using such the second pattern 700, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the case in which the fingertip F1 is in the contact state and the case of the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. For example, in the stereo-rectified image P41 in the case of the contact state, as shown in FIG. 20, the linear patterns 790 have continuity in the boundary part A between the fingertip F1 and the screen 900. In contrast, in the stereo-rectified image P41 in the case in which the phase wrapping occurs, the linear patterns 790 become discontinuous in the boundary part A as shown in FIG. 21.

From such a difference between the images, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the contact state and the state in which the phase wrapping occurs. Therefore, the touch recognition higher in accuracy becomes possible.

It should be noted that in order to more accurately detect the case in which the phase wrapping no smaller than two cycles occurs, it is preferable to arrange that the first pattern 800 is not displayed when obtaining the image of the second pattern 700 by, for example, blinking the first pattern 800 with a predetermined period.

According also to such a fourth embodiment as described hereinabove, substantially the same advantages as in the first embodiment described above can be exerted.

Although the image recognition device, the image recognition method and the image recognition unit according to the invention are hereinabove described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the image recognition device according to the invention, the configuration of each of the constituents can be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having substantially the same function, and further, it is also possible to add other arbitrary constituents. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine any of the embodiments described above with each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 image recognition unit -   200 projector -   240B, 240G, 240R liquid crystal display element -   250 dichroic prism -   260 projection lens system -   300 projector -   310 light source -   311B, 311G, 311R light source -   312B, 312G, 312R collimator lens -   313 light combining section -   313 a, 313 b, 313 c dichroic mirror -   314 collecting lens -   320 scanning section -   330 movable section -   331 mirror -   341, 342 shaft section -   350 drive frame section -   361, 362 shaft section -   370 support section -   381B, 381G, 381R liquid crystal display element -   382 dichroic prism -   383 projection lens system -   400 camera -   410 light receiving unit -   411 lens system -   412 imaging element -   500 image recognition device -   510 pattern display section -   520 measurement point determination section -   530 position detection section -   700 second pattern -   701 internal space -   710 shadowed part -   790 linear pattern -   800 first pattern -   800A first linear pattern -   800B second linear pattern -   810A, 810B first region -   820A, 820B second region -   900 screen -   A boundary part -   AD address pattern -   B blue light -   C1 camera center -   C2 angle alteration center -   EL, EL′ epipolar line -   F finger -   F1 fingertip -   G green light -   J1, J2 axis -   l1, l2, l3 straight line -   La picture light -   Lb modulated light -   P11, P21, P31, P41 stereo-rectified image -   Pe epipolar point -   R red light -   SH shadow -   x coordinate -   Σ epipolar plane -   π1 image plane -   π2 virtual image plane 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An image recognition device used in an image display unit including an imaging device adapted to image an image display surface, and a detecting image display device adapted to display a detecting image on the image display surface, the image recognition device comprising: a pattern display section adapted to make the detecting image display device display a first pattern having a first linear pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch along a direction parallel to an epipolar line determined from a positional relationship between the imaging device and the detecting image display device, and a second linear pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch different from the first pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line; a measurement point determination section adapted to detect an object located between the imaging device and the image display surface to determine a measurement target point of the object; and a position detection section adapted to detect a position of the measurement target point with respect to the image display surface based on an image including the measurement target point and the first pattern obtained by the imaging device, wherein the first linear pattern and the second linear pattern are displayed simultaneously.
 2. The image recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the second pitch is shorter than twice the first pitch.
 3. The image recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern is divided into a plurality of regions having a third pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, and an address used to identify a position is assigned to each of the plurality of regions.
 4. An image recognition unit comprising: the image recognition device according to claim 1; the imaging device; and the detecting image display device.
 5. The image recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the third pitch is equal to a lowest common multiple of the first pitch and the second pitch.
 6. The image recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern having a linear shape along the epipolar line passing through the measurement target point except the region in which the measurement target point is located.
 7. The image recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern straddling the region in which the measurement target point is located and two regions adjacent to the region in which the measurement target point is located.
 8. The image recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the pattern display section makes the detecting image display device display a second pattern having a linear pattern along a direction parallel to the epipolar line, wherein the linear pattern is disposed in the plurality of regions adjacent to each other so as to be shifted from each other in a direction crossing the epipolar line.
 9. The image recognition unit according to claim 4, comprising: an image display device adapted to display an image on the image display surface.
 10. An image recognition method used in an image display unit including an imaging device adapted to image an image display surface, and a detecting image display device adapted to display a detecting image on the image display surface, the image recognition method comprising: making the detecting image display device display a first pattern having a first linear pattern varying in luminance with a first pitch along a direction parallel to an epipolar line determined from a positional relationship between the imaging device and the detecting image display device, and a second linear pattern varying in luminance with a second pitch different from the first pitch along a direction parallel to the epipolar line; detecting an object located between the imaging device and the image display surface to determine a measurement target point of the object; and detecting a position of the measurement target point with respect to the image display surface based on an image including the measurement target point and the first pattern obtained by the imaging device, wherein the first linear pattern and the second linear pattern are displayed simultaneously. 